Looking to BUY a Prius V- What do I need to look for?

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by ski.dive, Oct 26, 2024.

  1. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2008
    938
    240
    0
    Location:
    Hutchinson Island,FL. Mt. Snow,VT
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    I currently own a GEN. 2 PRIUS=It has been a great vehicle!

    Is the Prius V a good reliable vehicle- what are the best years ?

    What should I look for when buying one?
    Any advice is appreciated.
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    8,701
    5,190
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    16 or 17with very low miles to hopefully allow frequent oil and coolant changes. Head gasket failures are too common on all gen3s. Sometimes take out the engine.

    Others also recommend teardown of egr system every 50k but my experience is longer is ok if you change the fluids more than factory.
     
  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    2,057
    1,047
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    You should look for a 2014 or newer; I believe mid to late 2014 had the newer low tension piston rings that prevents excessive oil burn. Look for car histories where the maintenance schedules was followed and if they did 5K mile oils changes with full synthetic oil would be better. Limit your search to southern cars, road salt really rots the undercarriage of these cars.
    Also build in the price of a replacement head gasket or ABS replacement into the price of the car - so if either one of those goes, you'll be prepared.

    Hope this helps...
     
    #3 BiomedO1, Oct 26, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2024
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    57,104
    39,425
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Info attached: the VIN at which piston rings were revised (the newer ones less prone to develop heavy oil consumption).
     

    Attached Files:

    Carall and BiomedO1 like this.
  5. djasonw

    djasonw Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 13, 2004
    952
    116
    0
    Location:
    Coconut Creek, FL
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    In 2019 I bought a 2013 Prius v with 80k. The prior owner had it maintained by his local dealer. Oil was changed at 5k intervals. I now have 228,000 miles with oil consumption of 1/2 quart between changes. I had the EGR valve cleaned twice during my ownership. At 205k miles I put in a new traction battery for $1,900. I love the car and I hope it lasts to 300k.


    iPhone ?
     
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
    7,548
    6,997
    1
    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    We looked for one briefly, around 2020. I don't think much has changed since- the 2016 & 2017 are the only ones worth getting.

    Another note, on safety: the 2012-2014 v got a poor rating for the IIHS small overlap crash test. 2015-2017 got a good grade on the same crash type.

    Good luck!
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,443
    50,202
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    look to BUY something else, unless you're feeling lucky, eh?
     
    #7 bisco, Oct 26, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2024
    Brian1954 likes this.